Bateman Silversmith Family
(C.1730’s-1843)
Peter and Ann Bateman were prominent silversmiths in the late 18th century, continuing the legacy of the renowned Bateman family. Ann was the widow of Jonathan Bateman, while Peter was the son of Hester Bateman, one of the most celebrated female silversmiths of the 18th century, whose works remain highly valued today. Hester married goldsmith John Bateman in 1732, and they ran a small silversmith business together. After John died in 1760, Hester successfully managed the business for thirty years, eventually passing it down to her sons and later her grandson, with the Bateman family continuing the craft into the mid-19th century. Hester and John Bateman had at least five children: Jonathan, Peter, John (a watch and clockmaker), Letitia, and Ann. Only Peter, Letitia, and Ann were still alive when Hester passed away. Hester registered her hallmark on April 16, 1761, under the name “Hester Bateman in Bunnhill Row,” a mark she used until 1790. Her initial mark featured the scripted initials “HB.”
Georgian Sterling silver hallmarks of Peter and Ann Bateman on a teapot available at Jacksons Antique
In 1790, Peter and his brother Jonathan registered their mark as “PB JB,” but the partnership was brief, as Jonathan passed away in 1791. Following Jonathan’s death, Peter formed a new partnership with his sister-in-law Ann, registering their mark as “PB AB.” After Hester’s death in 1794, the business continued to flourish.In 1800, Peter, Ann, and William Bateman—Jonathan and Ann’s son—registered a new mark that included the initials “PB AB WB,” stacked within a square. When Ann retired in 1805, the mark was updated to reflect the partnership between Peter and William, with the initials “PB WB.” From 1815 to 1840, William Bateman continued to operate the business independently under his own mark.